Saturday, May 26, 2012

Yarn Cocktails - A Book Review

A generous friend gave me a gift this
week, the book “The Knitter’s Guide to Yarn Cocktails”. This was such a thoughtful
gift that I truly appreciate it, while being frightened by it at the same time.

The tagline on the book is that it
offers “30 Technique-Expanding Recipes for Tasty Little Projects”. It does
deliver on this promise. The book begins with a well presented series of
background information on things like tools, fibres, and general instructions
on how to read the patterns.

As you move into the pattern section,
you can see that there are well written instructions that articulate the
finished sizes, materials required, and step-by-step instructions for a series
of drink-inspired knit items.

First up, is the “Singapore Sling
Bandeau”, a cute top best suited for a young girl. This is followed by a
belt/scarf pattern that could have potential if knit from the right yarn. The
third pattern is for a simple, but nice pair of Long Island Ice Tea Athletic
Socks.

The problem with this book is when
you innocently keep turning the pages and get to page 44 where you come across
one of those things you can’t unsee – Banana Boat Men’s Boxers. They even go so
far as to say the pattern is “Ribbed for your pleasure” (Eeek! Seriously, I
couldn’t make that up.) The suggested yarn is made up of merino wool, polyester
and nylon. I highly recommend that you check to ensure the recipient doesn’t
have a wool allergy before you begin knitting these as a gift.

If you have the stomach to keep
working through the book there is a mix of nice and questionable patterns. By
the time you get to page 143 the book redeems itself by presenting recipes for
28 different cocktails. Maybe I should make a nice Long Island Iced Tea and try
to think of the socks, and put the boxers out of my mind.

A little about me...

I'm an avid knitter and professionally trained designer, based in Toronto, Canada. I draw on a wide variety of influences for inspiration in the design of colourwork mittens. At any given time, I'd rather be knitting. Find me on Etsy at https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/JanetWelshKnits, or on Ravelry at https://www.ravelry.com/designers/janet-welsh-knits.

A little about this blog...

This blog is a past project designed to showcase some of the things I was making, while learning the art of blogging. While no longer an active blog, I have left it up in case people want to explore some of my past thoughts and projects.